Blue Jays manager Schneider optimistic Springer will play ALCS Game 6 after pitch off knee

George Springer is “feeling better” a day ahead of the most important game of the Toronto Blue Jays’ post-season.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Springer was recovering quickly after taking a fastball off the inside of his right knee in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). Toronto hosts the Mariners in Game 6 on Sunday with Seattle leading the best-of-seven series 3-2.

“Feeling better today. CT scan he got last night, negative,” said Schneider at a news conference during optional workouts at Rogers Centre on Saturday. “Just a contusion, as we say.”

“But he’s getting treatment, he’s going to be doing some stuff here in a little bit, probably moving around. But feeling a lot better than he did yesterday.”

The 36-year-old Springer fell to the ground after being struck by Woo’s pitch and stayed down in the batter’s box while Schneider and trainer Drew MacDonald came out from the dugout. Springer walked gingerly toward first, attempted to run a few steps, then walked off and was replaced by pinch-runner Joey Loperfido.

Schneider said Springer got treatment on Saturday and was expected to test his knee in a team workout.

“Just make sure that it’s not bothering him swinging and not bothering him running,” Schneider said. “But he’s a tough dude, so I’m hopeful and optimistic that he’ll be good to go.”

Schneider said the only hurdle for Springer to clear is to say he’s good to go for the critical Game 6 on Sunday.

“George has played through a lot, probably more than you guys know this year, but over the course of his career too,” said Schneider. “So just make sure that it’s not bothering him swinging and not bothering him running.

“But he’s a tough dude, so I’m hopeful and optimistic that he’ll be good to go.”

Springer has had a resurgent season, hitting .309 with 32 home runs, 84 runs batted in, 18 stolen bases and a .399 on-base percentage. 

He’s hit .256 with three home runs and six RBIs this post-season. His 22 career playoff homers are tied with Bernie Williams for fourth most.

Schneider said injured shortstop Bo Bichette still hasn’t run the bases since pulling up in an attempt last Saturday, the day before the ALCS began.

“You guys have probably seen him in the outfield, but not on the bases yet,” Schneider told reporters. “May do that today. But he’s definitely making progress. Definitely making progress with his swing as well.”

Bichette finished second in the major leagues to the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge with a .311 batting average.

Bichette hasn’t played since he was injured in a Sept. 6 collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells. He is eligible for free agency after the World Series.

Seattle leads the best-of-seven series 3-2 and has won both games in Toronto, 3-1 in Game 1 and 10-3 in Game 2.